Event report
Past Event: Advancing Defence and Intelligence with AI – Insights from Safran.AI
The French Chamber of Commerce’s Aeronautics, Space, Defence and Security Committee welcomed our former committee president back with a session titled “Advancing Defence and Intelligence with AI: Insights from Safran.AI”.
The keynote speaker, Mr. Martin Robillard – Director Sales France and Asia at Safran.AI (formerly Preligens) and former president of the committee – shed light on how artificial intelligence is transforming defence and intelligence operations, both at strategic and tactical levels. Backed by Safran’s deep expertise in defence and intelligence, Safran.AI is pioneering the integration of AI technologies to tackle the complexity and volume of modern data environments.
Key Highlights and Takeaways
1. The Human-Machine Teaming Imperative
While AI enhances speed, accuracy, and coverage, Mr. Robillard emphasized the indispensable role of humans in the loop. Safran.AI’s solutions are designed to augment—not replace—human decision-makers. Analysts remain essential to interpret AI outputs, apply context, and make final judgments, particularly in high-stakes defence scenarios. The objective is not full automation, but enhanced human performance.
2. Managing the ‘Data Tsunami’
Modern battlefields and intelligence domains generate vast, complex, and heterogeneous data streams—from satellite imagery and infrared sensors to intercepted audio and social media content. Safran.AI leverages powerful AI models to process, filter, and analyze this data at scale, enabling rapid detection of threats and anomalies. The challenge lies not just in accessing data, but in making it actionable—turning “noise” into insight.
3. Geospatial and Edge AI in Action
Safran.AI’s battle-tested solutions are deployed across satellite imagery, full-motion video, and edge devices. Use cases shared included object detection in electro-optical and SAR imagery, surveillance from maritime and airborne vectors, and real-time situational awareness enabled by edge computing. These applications showcase the operational value of AI in reducing cognitive load and accelerating the OODA loop (Observe–Orient–Decide–Act).
4. Combat-Proven and Globally Deployed
Founded in 2016 and integrated into the Safran Group in 2024, Safran.AI boasts one of Europe’s largest AI teams dedicated to aerospace and defence. With international deployments and classified data training capabilities, the company is also building traction in Asia with undisclosed customers in the region.
We thank Mr. Martin Robillard and all participants for the engaging discussion and look forward to continuing the conversation on innovation in defence tech.
For more information about the aeronautic, space, defence and security committee, please contact Emily Jiang ejiang(@)fccsingapore.com
